Join Camp Hope

You are here

About Camp Hope

Camp Hope is a retreat for military Veterans wounded in the War on Terror. Nestled on the grounds of Chris Neal Farm, a 250-acre sanctuary in southeast Missouri, and with an additional 1250 acre access, Camp Hope now has 1500 acres to use for their vision. William “Mike” White and his wife, Galia, created Camp Hope as a tribute to their son, Christopher, who was killed fighting for our country in Iraq. The mission of Camp Hope is to honor the fallen by helping the wounded.

Situated in rural Farmington, Missouri, approximately 70 miles southeast of Lambert-St. Louis Airport, Camp Hope is located in the heartland of American. With cool streams, winding creeks, granite boulders, gravel paths, tall trees and an abundance of wildlife, there is plenty of open space. Camp Hope offers beautiful rolling hills and hardwood ridges, perfect for hiking, four-wheeling, hunting, fishing, and exploring. During turkey and deer hunting season, Camp Hope’s Chris Neal Farm offers combat-wounded Veterans free hunting trips and lodging in ADA-approved, handicapped accessible cabins.
A retreat in every sense of the word: numerous State and National Parks surround the area, offering Camp Hope Soldiers a myriad of activities, such as camping, fishing, canoeing, hiking and golf. Beyond the actual gates of Camp Hope, technology is left behind to allow nature in. Bonding takes place through face-to-face conversations in the woods, around the firepit, or at the newly-constructed centralized Lodge. Contact us at info@camphopeusa.org or click here to find out how you can become a Camp Hope Soldier.

About Chris Neal

CAMP HOPE AT CHRIS NEAL FARM IS DEDICATED TO CHRISTOPHER NEAL WHITE

He grew up on a farm in Eastview, Kentucky. That is where he developed his love for the outdoors and his passion for hunting and fishing. His father William “Mike” White said Chris got his first deer at the tender age of seven. The antlers from the last deer Chris shot are mounted and hung at Camp Hope as a reminder.

His friends remember him as “Mr. Popular”. He was very athletic and played football in High School. He was always surrounded by friends and ready to have a good time. He never met a stranger and everyone knew Chris White.

Chris’s father, Mike, spent 12 years in the Army and Chris followed him into military service. He always wanted to be a Marine. He joined the Marines in May 2005. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, California. Less than one year later, in January 2006, he deployed to Iraq.

On June 20, 2006, Chris, a machine gunner, and four other Marines were riding in the last Humvee in a convoy traveling through Al-Anbar Province when an IED exploded under their vehicle. Christopher and three other Marines were killed. Chris’s Platoon Commander said, “He was an amazing young man and he is a true American Hero.” He will always remember Chris’s dedication, pride in his unit and his sense of humor.

He left behind his father, Mike, and his mother, Galia, along with a brother Michael, just 11 months older than Christopher. The brothers shared an extremely close bond. After Chris’s death Michael said, “The love he had for all of us was so strong that he gave the ultimate price doing what he believed was right. Chris White will live on in all of us in some way, but to me he was the greatest brother one could ever have.”

Christopher Neal White was 23 years of age. His family has chosen to keep his spirit alive by giving hope to disabled veterans.

Army Captain Joe Bogart

After an IED Explosion legally blinded me I knew my life would not be the same. I thought I would never be able to participate in the activities I enjoyed before fighting overseas. Then I spent a weekend at Camp Hope and now all that has changed. Thank you, Camp Hope!

Army Sgt Bobby Lisek

Thank you so much for this great opportunity, I have finally met someone that has been through the same stuff as me, it has been a blessing.

Army Sgt Jared Feldman

It means a lot for me to be here this weekend, this is incredible, I am really touched by what they are doing.